Hashtag Year Three: Team Talks

Seasoned Hashtaggers Edition

It’s nothing short of amazing seeing just how much Hashtag has evolved and grown in recent years. From a tiny home office, it has blossomed into a burgeoning company filled to the brim with exciting new talent and crazy, unique individuals. What’s even more amazing, is that even though Hashtag spent the first couple of years of its life with less than ten people in its roster going up against industry giants, the faith and determination of those talented few never faltered. It was because they believed they were part of something magical–they were making hype happen.

These are the stories of the seasoned veterans of Hashtag Interactive. The ones who weathered the storms–and came out laughing.

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

Never a dull moment, that’s for sure. Between getting the Manila office setup and our first two waves of hiring, it still surprises me when I take a look back and realize just how much we’ve accomplished as a team. We’re already gone through a good number of campaigns together and the stuff we produce now is so many times better than our early stuff, which we all thought was pretty good at the time. I’m glad that we keep challenging ourselves to do even better, thus we continue to raise the bar.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

My biggest challenge was putting up the Manila Office! We had a million and one things to worry about from all the paperwork, finding a space, to hiring awesome creative people, so it was crazy busy getting everything done. But I just kept in mind what Vincent and Mina had said about creating Hashtag Interactive to be the dream job and I was determined to do my best to recreate that feeling in Manila.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

I had to shake off a lot of the rigid corporate thinking that I had picked up from my years in the BPO industry. It meant trusting people more, celebrating creative freedom and looking at the bigger picture.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

I want for us to continue to produce awesome content – that anything we put our name on is something that we can personally be proud of and of course achieves client goals. It would also be cool if we got recognized for particularly awesome campaigns but that’ll come in time, I’m sure.

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Awesome Everyday.

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

Wow! It has been a crazy, roller coaster journey. There are days when we have campaigns going on simultaneously where everybody is just seated at their tables and no one speaks a word because we are all engrossed in our work. There are also days where we hang out with each other having ridiculous conversations, sharing jokes over snacks while patting our furry office companions. One thing’s for sure, it’s an experience you’ll never get at any other company, ever.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

There are times when I made mistakes, encountered difficult clients or faced pressure and stress from completing tasks. Although I knew that my colleagues and bosses are there to support me, I also understood that I had to pick myself up and get through it – it’s just a tough day or week. This too, shall pass.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

I’ve learnt many lessons, but the biggest lesson for me, is probably learning how to not be affected by a bad day at work and to be less hard on myself when things go wrong – everyone makes mistakes.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

I look forward to seeing Hashtag Interactive expanding even further, reaching greater heights and achieving new highs. We have grown so much in just a year, and it’s really exciting to continue on this journey with Hashtag Interactive. Bring it on!

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Not just work. OR Work and werk. OR Fun at work. (IDK AHHH)

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

It’s been a fun ride! In my first year at Hashtag, I was in the middle of rapid company growth, with Hashtag growing from two people to a team with more than 10, as well as an ever increasing client list. With that came growing responsibilities and I had to constantly learn to adapt to whatever situation I came upon. But that is a sure part of progress and I’m more than glad to have a fun family of colleagues to work with now!

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years?

I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was that as a fresh grad joining Hashtag Interactive, there was a lot of learning on the job required. My bosses, however, were patient in guiding me and providing me with opportunities to run through anything with them. They also freely shared what they knew with us, which helped me greatly.

What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

I was definitely fearful that I wasn’t up to the task, and that led to a lot of self-imposed pressure. But I owe it to supportive bosses and colleagues who constantly remind me to take breaks and offer their help whenever they can.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

Everyone works better in a team, even if it’s just two people. When you voice your thoughts with others, you gradually learn to shape your thinking process, and this also helps you work better with the rest of the team!

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

My hope is for Hashtag to continue growing, to always have an awesome team of people, and to continue having great relationships with all our clients. I think the team looks forward to working on more fun and meaningful campaigns in the future!

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Not your usual!

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

My first year was definitely a challenge as this was my first remote job. I have worked with a lot of people overseas but never this extensively. I realized how much I loved being in a growing company because you get to see the part you play in the company’s progress first-hand and how every result feels so rewarding! Being a corporate girl since I started working, this was a great change of pace and something I really got to appreciate.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

My biggest challenges were communication, time management and being (physically) alone most of the time. I got over the communication part easily because we had all the necessary tools we needed to communicate literally at our fingertips. Time management was also something I learned along the way because with more projects and deadlines, it challenged me to set my own deadlines and work processes and those challenges has helped keep me motivated. As for being physically alone, I’ve never felt left out with my colleagues because they’re just one chat and/or call away! I really appreciate that whenever we’re all together there’s no awkwardness and everyone is just as comfortable with each other just as if we were working in the same location.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

One of the biggest lessons I learned in Hashtag is definitely how to communicate with clients and get your point across. We deal with many different clients with different attitudes and working environments that it’s important to adjust to each need and process. I have also learned that it’s not always us, the agency, who has to do all the adjusting. I admit I have this personality of needing to please people but as my bosses constantly remind me, it’s okay to step back and evaluate what is best for the client and advise it to them, even if at times it’s something new.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

In terms of accomplishments, I think Hashtag is at a pretty good place right now. As a pioneer I would love to see these current accomplishments multiply tenfold, without the company having to compromise its core values and what Mina and Vincent believe in. It would also be great to have clients outside Singapore and expand in Southeast Asia, then hopefully the world!

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Motivated, creative, united.

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

I really learned a lot during my first year at Hashtag since it’s my very first job. When I got here, all I had were the basics that I learned from college and no idea as to how I was going to apply them. So, my first year became a learning process that has helped me expand my knowledge in web application. I can truly say that my skills have greatly improved compared to what I was able to do back in college. Though I had to work hard and learn quickly, I also had so many discoveries and realizations during my first year. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned something new every step of the way. Overall, I’m glad Hashtag is my first job. My colleagues play a big role in why I’m so happy, because if not for them, I would go crazy. Whenever I take a break from coding I just talk with them and a day hasn’t passed without me laughing at least once. Wait, I guess they do drive me crazy, but in a fun way.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

My biggest challenge would have to be back in January 2016, when we had a day left before we needed to fly out to Singapore so the team and my bosses can beta test the software I developed. I was doing random tests with my sister when we found a bug. I tried and tried but couldn’t fix it, I was wide awake for most of that night just trying to get it right. Fortunately, I was able to fix the bug before our flight. A few months later though, I found better logic for the software so I had to replace the code that I put in. But I guess that’s alright, since the app really did improve.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in Hashtag is that you can do anything you set your mind to, even tasks that seem impossible. As long as you continue to learn and work hard you’ll get it done. Secondly, I’ve learned not to focus too much in trying to solve the more complex problems. Instead I learned to take a step back, work on the easier parts of the task and that usually ends up giving me the information I need to solve the more difficult problems.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

Finally release Qwerk (the app I developed) globally. If not, at least within Asia. Hahaha

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Small but terrible (We’re the small company you need to watch out for, cause we’re aiming for big things.)

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

My first year on the job has been intense to say the least. I had to learn as I went along trying to fulfill the needs of different multinational and local Singaporean clients. I was writing copies and press releases, designing images, editing videos, creating motion graphic animations and meeting deadlines while trying to meet tight timelines. However, I can honestly say that this has also been the most fun I’ve ever had in my career. I was able to learn new skills, relearn old ones and experience so much in the short time that I’ve been here, and I just couldn’t be happier. The team and my bosses gave me every opportunity to push myself to the limits and explore what I can do. Who else can say that they’ve experienced all that I have in the same amount of time?

What were the biggest challenges you faced during your time at Hashtag? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

The biggest challenge has to be when I got really frustrated with one of my projects. I didn’t know what else to do, because I’ve tried almost everything to get it approved. It’s really difficult to get past it when frustration sets in. Because you start focusing on that negative feeling and you forget to explore your options and other solutions. Fortunately, I was able to stop and collect my thoughts just in time to meet my deadline.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Fortune favours the bold especially in a society wherein the next trend is always just right around the corner.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

I really want Hashtag Interactive to be the go-to digital agency for startups across the globe.

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Best. Job. Ever.

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

The first year was full of moments of trying to figure each other out, as well as adjusting and fine tuning our workflow. Because everything was new, from the team, down to all the processes. However, it was actually fun trying to figure out how things should work, especially since our client-facing teammates are in a completely different country.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

Like I said, the first year was about adjustments, and that was the main challenge for me. We all had different workflows and diverse practices. I must say, though, that we were able to overcome this challenge together. Hashtag became a melting pot of different creative talents with everyone having something different to bring to the table.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

Aside from the technical aspects of design in which I have learned so much, Hashtag has imparted so much more in a span of one year. Each of us have learned how to deal with all the difficult challenges we have encountered whether as a designer, as a team and as a family. We were able to focus on solutions whenever problems arose. And, my cooking improved as well. From burning food in the kitchen and putting too much curry powder, I have now perfected my signature dish, “Talong ni Jea!” (Jea’s Eggplant). Haha

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

In the future, I can see Hashtag becoming more of a creative hub and setting itself apart from other mainstream digital agencies. Here, everyone can contribute whatever they want, whether it is a brand new design, idea, program or marketing strategy, or maybe even some non work-related ones such as cooking or Pokemon catching proficiency.

Describe Hashtag Interactive in three words or less.

Family. Laughter. Collaboration.

Describe how your first year was like at Hashtag Interactive.

I honestly didn’t want to join another startup company, but when I met my bosses and heard about all their plans and their stories, I decided to take the risk and join Hashtag Interactive. It has since been a roller coaster of a year, and I never regretted my decision. In the year that I’ve been here, all the doubts I had about being a designer disappeared. I’ve met new people that I now consider as my family, and I’ve grown to be not only a better designer, but also a better person. I always believed that if a company can make their employees feel appreciated, they will in turn, take good care of their clients. And that’s how I feel about being here, I feel motivated to do the best I can at all times. I can say that joining Hashtag Interactive was a risk worth taking.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during those years? What was going through your head when you faced these challenges?

When we first started, there were just two of us in the design team and we had a really rough start. Our design processes, styles, and personalities were vastly different (pretty much polar opposites) from each other. But what we had something in common, it’s that we communicate what’s on our minds and we made the effort to meet each other halfway. All the other challenges we had after that, we went through together. We critique each other’s work and complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And now, I’m amazed by how great our teamwork is.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned at Hashtag Interactive so far?

I learned to believe in myself and make sure that I do my best in everything that I do.

What do you want Hashtag Interactive to accomplish in the future?

I want the company to be the best in the business and continue to have an awesome client list but without compromising what makes us different from other agencies.